Monday, November 19, 2012

Research Associate Position - Shark Research and Conservation Program

Position Description
The Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRCP) based at the Cape
Eleuthera Institute (CEI), is seeking a Research Associate to assist
with gener

al program management,
including assisting with and/or overseeing all field research, education
and outreach initiatives conducted by the program. The SRCP, founded
in 2006, is based at the Cape Eleuthera Institute research facility
situated on Cape Eleuthera, Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Over recent years
the program has expanded its portfolio of elasmobranch related projects
to include every major marine ecosystem in the greater Caribbean region
and incorporates a diverse range of research techniques to approach
predominantly applied conservation science questions.

This position
would suite a recently graduated masters or PhD student wishing to
expand their field experience and skill set. The ideal candidate is
well-organized, attentive to detail, a self-starter who takes
initiative, demonstrates stewardship, works well in adverse field
conditions, has a passion for environmental conservation and a love of
teaching students of all ages. They must be willing to stretch beyond a
traditional job description as they live and work closely with the
local community and The Island School (www.islandschool.org) and Deep Creek Middle School (www.dcmsbahamas.org).
Research Associates work in a team environment with other research
staff at CEI and will report to the SRCP Program Manager. Qualified
Bahamians are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications & Skills MSc in Biological Science or related field preferred, or BSc with 3 years relevant research experience Extensive experience with elasmobranch field techniques including capture based surveys and safe handling practices Experience with grant writing and fund raising Experience in experimental design, and biological statistics Strong writing and presentation skills supported by a good record of peer reviewed publications and conference proceedings Prior teaching experience Excellent computer skills which include experience in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and statistical packages Experience handling and operating small boats Data collection, organization and management experience Must tolerate a seasonal (very) hot climate, bugs, long field days and isolated but tight-knit community

Responsibilities Research Assist with and/or manage a variety of SRCP research projects Manage a variety of databases pertaining to several long term SRCP projects Assist with development of new projects Assist with the development peer reviewed publications Oversee the maintenance of all SRCP research equipment Hire, coordinate, train, and mentor SRCP research interns and volunteers Provide logistical support for visiting scientists Teaching Develop and deliver two (2) elasmobranch related semester-long Island School research projects each year Participate in Island School semester preparation, orientation and debrief Develop and document lesson plans and syllabi Deliver lectures and field based classes Grade and provide feedback for core research assignments Meet with parents during parent-teacher conferences held once a semester Mentor and guide the student’s final project (Scientific Poster & Presentation) for the end of semester research symposium Produce end of semester student reports Outreach Work with the Educational Programs team to present SRCP research efforts to visiting groups and the local community
Deliver up to two (2), week long, “Shark Week” programs each summer
which are designed to give high-school students hands on research
experience Represent CEI at local and international events/conferences Generate project updates and manage SRCP related content on the CEI webpage Liaise with the communications department to create popular media (articles, blogs, press releases) Compensation & Benefits Salary commensurate with experience Room, board and medical insurance 4 weeks of paid vacation per year Eligibility to enrol in retirement package after two years of service Professional development opportunities
The opportunity to be part of a fast growing, young, vibrant research
and education organisation that provides multiple opportunities for
networking, and interaction with other NGOs, regional government
organizations and academic institutions Schedule

This is a
full-time position requiring a minimum one year commitment with the
potential for extension depending on circumstance. CEI operates year
round and working hours vary depending on project needs but are
typically Monday-Friday (7:00 am – 4.30 pm), however, evening and
weekend work will be required on occasions. Special events in the
CEI/Island School calendar will require periods of time outside of
normal working hours when staff have to be on site for extended periods.

Application
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample that
addresses the following question: How can applied research initiatives
enhance education and outreach efforts? Submit all of these materials in
PDF format detailing your interest and experience. Please send all
applications to: 6b6e+ac33@app.catchthebest.com (http://islandschool.catchthebest.com/apply/6b6e/ac33).
We are collecting applications until the position is filled. The
anticipated start date is February 1sh, 2013. We are a Bahamian equal
opportunity employer.

About Shark Diver.
As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at sharkcrew@gmail.com.